Senior analyst, research & industry strategy

The Senior Analyst works within SEPA's Research and Industry Strategy (RIS) department that serves as the organization’s subject matter experts on what it takes to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient energy to all customers, both in the U.S. and globally. RIS facilitates high-impact industry dialogue and develops analysis, frameworks, and tools that deliver enhanced value to members and help shape the evolution of state and regional energy and utility policy. This role supports the design and implementation of research and strategic initiatives that advance SEPA’s Grid, Growth, and Globe priorities.

The Senior Analyst conducts high-quality quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis, synthesizing and presenting data, regulatory and policy insights in clear and timely written and visual products for utilities, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders. This position has the opportunity to work on a broad set of issues related to the ongoing transformation of the U.S. and global electric power sector, while also developing deeper subject matter expertise on select topics including resilience, distributed energy resources, demand flexibility, grid modernization, clean energy strategy, and international clean energy policy and regulatory frameworks.

The Senior Analyst contributes to SEPA’s member-focused working groups, external communications, and other collaborative initiatives, strengthening SEPA’s position as a trusted resource for industry and policymakers.

Responsibilities and Key Impact Areas

Research and Content Development

Works independently and on teams to execute multiple concurrent research tasks, ensuring high-quality, timely, and impactful outputs that advance SEPA’s Strategic Plan goals. Deliverables may include reports, blogs, frameworks, toolkits, workshops, presentations, and other technical content tailored to multiple audiences including SEPA’s diverse members, policymakers, and domestic and international stakeholders. Lead data collection and analysis efforts, including research design, stakeholder interviews and engagement, data collection and validation, and data visualization, along with monitoring and synthesizing relevant state, federal, and international regulatory and policy developments. Monitor and synthesize international electric power sector policy, regulatory, and market developments in a variety of deliverable formats. Support cross-border knowledge exchange with global utilities and policymakers through the development of talking points, presentations, and other summary information. Contributes to planning and development of RIS-relevant content for external communications, SEPA leadership support, and external events/conferences. Deliverables may include memos, talking points, slide decks, responses to media inquiries, and speakers and conference session proposals for SEPA, RE+ Events, or other key industry events.

Member Support and External Engagement

Provides member support through leading the development of responses to research requests, participating in member meetings, and maintaining overall close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Membership department. In coordination with the Senior Director, represents SEPA externally through speaking engagements and stakeholder engagement, strengthening industry relationships and visibility. Presents research and contributes subject matter knowledge at national, regional, and state industry conferences, workshops, and events organized by SEPA, RE+, and external organizations.

Internal Coordination and Cross-Departmental Initiatives

Contributes to project design and scoping for new initiatives in collaboration with RIS leadership. Develops project management plans for approval by project leads, including collaboratively defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource needs, and success metrics in alignment with organizational priorities. Independently implements project management processes for small projects from scoping to delivery, including managing internal and external review and publication processes and monitoring project progress against goals. Collaborates across RIS teams to strengthen processes, improve coordination, and enhance quality of deliverables. Contributes subject matter knowledge, writing, and editing support to proposals, grants, and partnership development efforts, maintaining close communication and coordination with SEPA’s Development department.

Years of experience

3 or more years of experience in the energy industry in a government, nonprofit, or private sector role.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, physical or environmental science, international policy, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Required skills and experience

• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to translate technical, policy, and market complexity into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong writing and public speaking skills, with ability to articulate complex value propositions to diverse audiences, from technical experts to policymakers.
• Experience contributing to complex research projects, implementing project management processes, and working effectively across teams and with external partners.

Preferred skills and experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the areas of distributed energy resources, resilience, clean power generation, energy storage, electric vehicles, demand response, demand flexibility, grid modernization, or international electric power sector policy.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate regulatory dockets, legislation, and international policy proceedings and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with data analysis and visualization tools is a plus.

Preferred behavioral attributes

• Intellectually curious, thorough and detail-oriented, ability to operate flexibly in a fast-paced environment, mission-driven, and strong commitment to quality and team success.

About SEPA

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the electric power system so that it delivers clean, affordable, and resilient energy for all. We work at the intersection of technology, policy, and programs, convening utilities, regulators, policymakers, technology providers, and advocates around the hardest questions of the energy transition. Nearly 1,000 member organizations turn to SEPA for trusted analysis, thought leadership, and the kind of neutral, collaborative space that is hard to find anywhere else in this industry. Guided by our 2025 to 2030 Strategic Plan, our work centers on three priorities: Grid: Strengthening and modernizing the distribution grid so that it is more flexible, resilient, and equitable. Growth: Enabling utilities and partners to meet rising demand cleanly, efficiently, and affordably. Globe: Sharing best practices and innovations from across the country and around the world so that progress moves faster everywhere.

Our Culture

Culture at SEPA is not something we declare. It is something our people built. Our five values came directly from staff, shaped by in-person staff retreats, employee surveys, our employee-led People & Culture Council and working sessions across the organization. They describe how we actually operate: Serve with Excellence. We hold a high bar for the work our members rely on, and we hold it for one another. Build Trust Through Transparency. We share context early, explain our reasoning, and say the harder thing when it matters. Act with Courage. We take on the questions the industry has not solved yet, and we are willing to be first. Own It Together. We carry the work across functions, and we share both the credit and the accountability. Include and Belong. We build a workplace where people from every background can contribute fully and grow, because better decisions come from a wider set of perspectives. If you want to do work that shapes the future of the energy system, alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to both the mission and each other, you will find a home here.

ADA Requirements and Disclaimer

This position description generally indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act expected of an incumbent. This role requires the ability to use standard office equipment and learn new software applications as necessary. This is a largely sedentary role; however, some traveling may be required. This position description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.